When Chronic Back Pain is Suspected to be SpA

Primary care providers are often the first stop for patients experiencing chronic back pain. When a provider suspects that such pain is caused by axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), the next step should be a prompt referral to a rheumatologist, with a note that the patient should be considered a high priority—with an inclusion of the results of any labs or testing. But knowing that an appointment with a rheumatologist could take weeks, how can primary care clinicians best manage these patients? Continue reading to learn the recommendations of a rheumatologist and primary care physician who discuss a course of action and steps that can improve patients’ quality of life, including pain reduction, reducing inflammation, and fighting fatigue.

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